Analysis of Zidovudine Using a Core Enhanced Technology Accucore HPLC Column

Significance of the Topic

Zidovudine is an antiretroviral agent vital in HIV/AIDS treatment and listed by the World Health Organization as an essential medicine. Rapid and reliable quantification of this drug is critical for quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing and clinical laboratories. Core Enhanced Technology columns offer an opportunity to drastically shorten analysis times while maintaining high resolution, addressing industry needs for increased throughput and cost efficiency.

Objectives and Overview

This study aimed to adapt the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) monograph method for zidovudine analysis onto a Thermo Scientific Accucore C18 superficially porous HPLC column. By employing an in-house method transfer calculator, the goal was to achieve a significant reduction in analysis time without compromising chromatographic performance.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample Preparation:
A 1000 µg/mL zidovudine standard was prepared in methanol and diluted to 100 µg/mL in the mobile phase.

Instrument Settings:

• Column: Accucore C18, 2.6 µm particle size, 100 x 2.1 mm
• Mobile Phase: Water/methanol (4:1, v/v)
• Flow Rate: 0.5 mL/min
• Column Temperature: 25 °C
• Injection Volume: 1 µL
• Detection: UV at 265 nm

Main Results and Discussion

The scaled-down method achieved a 16-fold reduction in run time, with zidovudine eluting at 1.6 minutes versus 26 minutes in the original USP method. Chromatographic performance met USP acceptance criteria: a tailing factor of 1.13, retention time %RSD of 0.0, and peak area %RSD of 0.34 across six replicate injections. The chromatogram exhibited a sharp, symmetric peak with high efficiency, demonstrating the suitability of the Accucore C18 column for fast analysis.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Significantly increased sample throughput in quality control workflows
• Reduced solvent consumption and operational costs
• Maintained compliance with pharmacopeial standards
• Adaptability for routine testing in pharmaceutical and clinical laboratories

Future Trends and Potential Uses

The adoption of superficially porous particle technology is expected to grow, enabling faster separations in routine analysis. Integration with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) systems and advanced detection methods may further enhance sensitivity and throughput. Method transfer tools and calculator software will continue to play a key role in scaling pharmacopeial methods across different column formats.

Conclusion

The application of a Thermo Scientific Accucore C18 column successfully scaled down the USP method for zidovudine analysis, delivering high efficiency, reproducibility, and a dramatic reduction in run time. This approach offers a practical solution for laboratories seeking faster turnaround without sacrificing analytical quality.

References

1. HPLC Method Transfer Calculator, Thermo Fisher Scientific
2. W. V. Caufield, J. T. Stewart, Chromatographia, 2001, 54, 561–568
3. World Health Organization, WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 2005
4. United States Pharmacopeia Monograph for Zidovudine